On June 17, 2016, legislation to change the Canadian Citizenship Act, also known as Bill C-6, passed the Canadian House of Commons following its third reading. The very same day, a first reading took place in the Senate. The government of Canada had hoped to have the new legislation passed into law in time for Canada Day, which took place on July 1. However, it is now more likely that this will take place after the Senate re-adjourns following a summer break.The government proposes sweeping changes to the Citizenship Act that would allow immigrants to apply for Canadian citizenship earlier and more easily than is currently the case. Changing the existing Citizenship Act is considered an important aspect of the government’s legislative agenda.In June, 2014, the previous Conservative government of Canada brought into law the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act (also known as bill C-24). Among other measures, this controversial legislation made eligibility requirements for immigrants seeking citizenship more onerous than had previously been the case. It also allowed the government to revoke citizenship from dual Canadian citizens convicted of terrorism, treason or espionage.Among the proposed amendments in Bill C-6 is a reduction in the amount of time permanent residents have to live in Canada in order to become eligible to apply for citizenship, from four out of six years to three out five years. In addition, applicants who spent time in Canada on temporary status — such as on a work or study permit — would be able to count a portion of this time towards the three-year requirement. The proposed amendments would also repeal the intent to reside provision and remove language proficiency requirements for certain applicants. In addition, the new legislation would repeal the contentious provision that allows for the revocation of citizenship.Read the rest here